Three innovative health initiatives have been recognised as finalists in the Excellence in Innovation category of the 2026 Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards.
The award recognises individuals, teams and organisations using innovation, evidence, and digital solutions to improve healthcare. It celebrates approaches that improve access, quality, integration, and patient outcomes.
This year’s finalists are Western NSW Local Health District’s Healthy Ageing Team, Orange City Council’s My Care Future program and the Risk of Hospitalisation Collaborative. Each initiative demonstrates how new ideas, strong partnerships and a focus on community needs can make healthcare more accessible and connected across regional NSW.
Western NSW Local Health District Healthy Ageing Team: Dance for Healthy Ageing
Dance for Healthy Ageing is helping older people across Western and Far West NSW stay active, connected, and independent.
Through the DanceWise and DanceMoves programs, older adults can improve physical activity, balance, brain health, and social connection in a welcoming and enjoyable environment.
The initiative was developed in response to an ageing population and increasing rates of falls across the region. Western NSW Local Health District explored dance as an innovative population-wide approach to healthy ageing. Unlike many traditional programs, DanceWise and DanceMoves place social connection at the centre of the experience.
Sessions combine physical activity, balance training, brain exercises, reaction timing, memory recall, and social engagement to support overall wellbeing. A key strength is the program’s flexible approach to delivery. Facilitators do not need healthcare qualifications but must complete the program’s training.
This makes the model particularly suited to rural and remote communities, where access to health professionals can be limited.
So far, 64 facilitators have been trained, and more than 388 participants have taken part across 19 locations. The program has received 460 self-referrals, with another 110 people on the waitlist. Evaluation has identified improvements in strength, balance, mobility and confidence. Participants have also reported fewer falls, greater confidence with movement and reduced reliance on mobility aids.
Volunteer facilitators and community champions are helping make the program sustainable and expand its reach. The model has also attracted broader interest, with three other NSW Health districts adopting the approach.
Orange City Council: My Care Future
Orange City Council’s My Care Future program is changing how people across regional NSW understand and approach advance care planning. The program gives people practical support to record their future healthcare wishes before a crisis occurs.
Advance care planning can be difficult to navigate. Barriers can include limited awareness, digital challenges, distance from services and uncertainty about where to find help.
My Care Future responds by taking information and practical support into trusted community settings. Workshops are delivered through guided conversations, giving people opportunities to ask questions and consider what matters most to them.
The initiative brings together Orange City Council, Connecting Community Services and Orange Aboriginal Medical Service through a community-based model combining education, digital engagement, and personalised support.
The program has delivered 34 workshops across Orange, Cowra, Bathurst, Parkes, Mudgee, Condobolin, Dubbo and surrounding communities, involving more than 300 participants. Its reach extends beyond the workshops. A digital campaign reached more than 13,000 people and generated almost 4,000 website visits.
Evaluation results also show increased knowledge and confidence. Of 231 survey responses, 95.5% of participants said they would recommend the workshops to others. The program is now building local capacity through volunteer support and plans for a train-the-trainer model.
Connected Care in the Community: Risk of Hospitalisation Collaborative
The Risk of Hospitalisation Collaborative is using data, digital connections and multidisciplinary care to support vulnerable people before their health reaches crisis point.
Operating across Western NSW Local Health District, the Collaborative identifies people at risk of hospitalisation and connects them with primary care and community support. It brings together professionals from emergency care, primary care, mental health, Aboriginal Health, ambulance, community services, and social care.
This multidisciplinary approach improves communication and coordination for people living with chronic health conditions, complex social needs, or other barriers to healthcare. The model has delivered strong results. Emergency Department presentations among participating patients fell by 27%, while unplanned re-presentations reduced by 49%. There was also a 68% reduction in patients leaving without treatment and an 11% reduction in patients leaving at their own risk.
Patients are connected with services including general practice, chronic disease programs, My Aged Care, the NDIS, and community organisations before their health deteriorates. Virtual multidisciplinary meetings allow clinicians and service providers across different locations to coordinate care. Aboriginal Health involvement also helps ensure care is culturally safe and responsive.
Initially established in Bathurst and Dubbo, the Collaborative has expanded across the Western NSW Local Health District. Far West Local Health District has also adopted a similar model.
Together, the Excellence in Innovation finalists show how new approaches can solve practical healthcare challenges across regional communities. Their work is improving access, strengthening connections between services, and helping people receive the right support earlier.
We will be celebrating our finalists across all six categories at the Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards gala event in Dubbo on 12 November. For more information and tickets, visit our website.
